Dana Haynes, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales' communication director, violated state election law by crafting a press release in "clear opposition" to a proposed water district measure while on the job, according to state officials.

The state notified Haynes of its determination on Thursday. The complaint, filed by Portland Public Water District petitioners Floy Jones and Kent Craford, stemmed from a press release issued by Haynes on February 11 at 1:29 p.m.

Haynes' press release, which he told state officials he wrote on February 8, included some strong language. "The anti-environmental funders behind this suit are also behind a ballot measure to create a new layer of government to run the environmental services and water utilities."

Attributing the quote to Hales, the release continued, "If the facts aren't with you, and the law isn't with you, unlimited corporate money is a wonderful thing."

Haynes was cited for a similar violation in 2009 while working the Portland Community College. The prior offense means Haynes faces a $150 fine.

Haynes may request a hearing to dispute the state's determination.

In an email, Haynes said he hadn't seen the result of the state inquiry. Haynes, who has authored four novels, is in New York for a writer's conference.

He didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Jones and Craford filed a separate election law complaint against Josh Alpert, Hales' policy director. The Secretary of State's office determined Alpert did not violate state law because he presented against the ballot measure on his personal time.